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Studied Homeopathic Remedies

Arnica montana

Bryonia

Rhus tox

The most prominent feature of fibromyalgia, also known as myofascial pain or fibrositis, is the presence of tender, swollen, and painful muscle knots distributed throughout the body. This symptom is usually accompanied by stiffness, fatigue, and nonrestorative sleep. Other symptoms include alternating diarrhea and constipation (irritable bowel syndrome), headaches, numbness and tingling, and restless legs. Finally, people with fibromyalgia frequently develop prolonged discomfort from injuries so mild that they would not hurt a healthy person for more than a short time.

In severe cases, people with fibromyalgia experience extreme discomfort when almost any part of the body is pressed upon, even lightly. Milder cases involve moderate to severe pain that wanders from one location to another.

Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies for Fibromyalgia

Current evidence regarding use of homeopathic remedies for fibromyalgia is mixed.

In a
double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study
, researchers tested the remedy
Rhus toxicodendron
6c on 30 people with fibromyalgia who fit the symptom picture of
Rhus tox
, as assessed by a homeopathic physician.
1
For 1 month, the participants took either
Rhus tox
6c or placebo three times daily. For the following month, the participants took the opposite treatment; however, neither participants nor observers knew which was which.

Participants experienced a
statistically significant
improvement when they were taking the
Rhus tox
as compared to when they were taking placebo. The number of tender spots was reduced by 25% on average, and the improvement in overall pain and sleep scores was marked when taking the treatment.

However, another small double-blind, placebo-controlled study failed to find evidence of benefit.
2
In this study, 24 participants with fibromyalgia were given either placebo or one of three homeopathic remedies
(Arnica, Bryonia,
or
Rhus tox)
at 6c potency, prescribed according to traditional homeopathic indications. Participants took remedies or placebo twice daily for 3 months.

The results showed no statistically significant improvements in symptoms among those participants receiving homeopathic remedies as compared to those given placebo. However, researchers were able to find some evidence of benefit in a subgroup of participants. At the very beginning when the homeopathic practitioners chose the initial remedy, they noted whether the remedy was a close fit to the patient or not according to the principles of classical homeopathy. It turns out that if you look only at people whose remedy fit well based on the whole person symptom picture, then some benefits were seen.

This seems to indicate that properly chosen homeopathic remedies might be helpful for fibromyalgia. However, considering the very small number of people involved, it is really impossible to draw any conclusions.

Traditional Homeopathic Treatments for Fibromyalgia

In
classical homeopathy
, there are many possible homeopathic treatments for fibromyalgia, to be chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment.

For instance, if you feel bruised as if you slept on a very hard bed and you are physically restless and irritable, as well as fatigued, then you may fit the
symptom picture
of
Arnica montana
. In addition, the use of
Arnica
is said to be particularly indicated when the cause of your current complaints can be attributed to a previous injury.

If you want to lie still because even a slight movement makes the pain worse and you prefer cool applications to warm ones, then your symptom picture may fit the remedy
Bryonia
. Other characteristics associated with this remedy include feeling extremely grumpy and not wanting anyone to disturb you.

Homeopathic
Rhus tox
is used under circumstances similar to those that indicate
Bryonia
. However, unlike the
Bryonia
recipient, who wants to lie still and is made worse by the least motion, the
Rhus tox
picture invokes a person who benefits from motion and wants to be active. In addition, the condition will worsen with exposure to cold and dampness and improve in dry warm weather.

Other Natural Options

For herbs, supplements, and other alternative treatments that may be useful for this condition, see the
Fibromyalgia
article.

For a thorough explanation of homeopathy, including dilution of therapies, see the
Homeopathy Overview
.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.